Exclusive Interview with Designers Elana Brynes and Lacey Ryan!

Hey Seventeen! I had an amazing opportunity to attend an event put on by Kings of Cole designer, Elana Brynes and jewelry designer, Lacey Ryan. A portion of the proceeds from that night went to benefit the Pencils of Promise organization. Each designer showcased her collection for this season, and I was able to ask both questions about their collections!

Seventeen: For those who don't know Kings of Cole, can you give them a little insight?

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Elana Brynes: Kings of Cole is centered on creating the perfect hoodie for men, and the perfect "boyfriend hoodie" for women. I created the line so that my customers could look and feel put-together, while also being comfortable. Kings of Cole hoodies and sweatpants feature extremely soft fabric, incredible fit, and unique rose gold colored zipper and hardware detailing. Celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracy Anderson, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Taylor Lautner have been spotted wearing Kings of Cole!17: What is this specific collection about? What inspired you?

EB: For Spring 2012, it's all about bright colors that pop. We have new unbelievable colors hitting stores in a few weeks for Spring 2012 including: Barbie Pink, Yellow, Denim, and Vintage Red. Our newest style "Headdress" features a peacock feather-inspired crystal embellished hood that is to-die for, and is Tracy Anderson's personal favorite! We will also continue our fight against bullying by offering our anti-bully "BYE HATER" hoodie in new colors. We hope to increase awareness and spread the message that bullying of any kind should not be tolerated.

17: What can we look forward to from Kings of Cole in the future?

EB: I am so excited about the new Kings of Cole collection! Kings of Cole is currently expanding into cashmere sweaters for Fall 2012. Our sweaters are 100% cashmere and of course will be adorned with our signature: rose gold colored button and hardware detailing. We are also adding new hoodie styles for Fall 2012 and, of course, expanding our color pallet so our customers can expand their own personal KOC collection.

17: What inspires your jewelry designs?

Lacey Ryan: I'm inspired by the people I meet and the places I have been and aspire to travel to. I have recently become very interested in Tibetan and African art and have worked to incorporate that style into a lot of pieces in my Summer 2012 collection. I have always loved the meaning and symbolism behind stones and their natural colors too, which is essentially the foundation of each collection.

17: Where do you find your amazing materials?

LR: I try to collect my materials from all over the world. I have acquired a collection of pendants from over the years that I had casted. Most recently, I have really tried to expand my resources and incorporate different elements from other countries I have visited, especially Africa, into my designs.

17: How did you get into jewelry making?

LR: When I was 9 years old I participated in my first craft fair in Fire Island. I had a real passion for making jewelry and continued to do what I love and slowly my family and friends wanted to wear what I was making. As I got older, I never gave up on that passion and have been designing and creating hand-made jewelry ever since. I even wrote my college essay about my entrepreneurial spirit and the joy jewelry making brings me!

17: Did you go to school for jewelry design?

LR: I did not go to school for jewelry design. I attended Syracuse University and studied Fashion Design in their school of Visual and Performing Arts. I focused on drawing and sewing but was always designing jewelry on the side. I held many jewelry shows at the Student Center and launched my website, laceyryan.com, in 2007.

17: What can we expect to see from you and your jewelry collections in the near future?

LR: Rings! Rings are my newest focus. I have already designed three that I absolutely love, but I am working on building a more substantial collection. I'm constantly trying to find new resources and come up with new ideas. Jewelry is always on my mind! Follow me on Twitter and check us out on Facebook.

What are some accessory trends you're looking forward to for spring? Sound off in the comments!